Donors have invested over half of a $9 million capital campaign to transform Waterworks Park, a space Des Moines city leaders said is underutilized.

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The transformation, which comes after years of flooding that has taken a toll on the north side of the park and has signs of erosion alongside the banks of the Raccoon River, includes building a bridge under Fleur Drive to connect Water Works to the busiest park in the city, Gray's Lake.

"Right now when you go for a walk and you park at Gray's Lake, Fleur Drive acts as a dam," said Zac Voss, one of many donors who invested $5.5 million into the campaign. "So you don't come over to this side, but when we connect the two, it's going to enrich the experience for anyone who comes into this area."

The master plan includes two natural play areas for children, water gardens with plants and vegetation that can survive underwater since it lies in a flood plane, and an area with electrical outlets for food trucks to park.

The centerpiece that has the most potential draw to visitors to the south side park is a dual-sided stage – one side, a simple space for a solo artist or intimate play; the other side a large amphitheater-type stage that opens to the great lawn and is three football fields with a 20,000-person capacity.

"There are so many great things going on in Des Moines already," said Randy Reichardt, president of the Water Works Park Foundation Board. "We're not looking to steal any of those events from current locations, but some of the spaces are being overutilized. This will be a great location."

The focus shifts to corporate donors to raise the remaining $3.5 million, with hopes to begin construction next year.